I’ve made up for lost time. The feeders at NWF’s HQ have inspired me to be a kid again, watching and learning. February is National Bird Feeding Month, and I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite feeder friends. Share which species you’ve met after offering food (feeders or native plants) for birds in your yard!

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

This bird is a common visitor to hummingbird feeders and flowers. Don’t let their size fool you, rufous hummingbirds are extremely territorial and feisty. They’ve been observed chasing off other hummingbird species and chipmunks!

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Recently I learned that the black markings across the blue jay’s face and throat vary significantly. In fact, it may help them recognize each other! Blue jays prefer tray or hopper feeders, which are effective for large bird species or to accommodate several birds feeding at once.

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

These bright beauties switch their wardrobe twice a year, the only finch species to do so. As strict vegetarians, American goldfinches can be lured to your yard with native plants such as sunflowers and thistles. They’re also happy to eat seeds that fall to the ground from your feeders!

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/02/feeder-friends-a-few-birds-youll-want-to-meet/feed/0Tips for Winter Bird Feedinghttp://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/tips-for-winter-bird-feeding/
http://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/tips-for-winter-bird-feeding/#commentsWed, 07 Jan 2015 18:24:47 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=102831Read more >]]>As temperatures drop across much of the country, it’s time to put more thought into what your backyard birds are eating. Providing high-quality food during winter not only entices more birds to visit your yard, it also may help them survive the season.

“Bad weather like blizzards and ice storms can make it hard to find food, and cold can take its toll,” says Sally Roth, author of The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible. “A well-fed bird is a warmer bird, better able to withstand winter rigors.” Roth recommends providing “a big spread of visible food and a variety to suit all appetites”—including seeds, cracked corn, nuts and suet—to bring in the first visitors. “After birds find your feeders, their presence and activity will attract others,” she says.

Winter also is the time to switch to more appropriate cold-weather foods. Birds need rich sources of fat and calories to combat low temperatures and severe storms. Suet, nuts and high-oil seeds such as nyjer, black-oil sunflower seeds and sunflower hearts are all great choices. “If you can find a way to keep squirrels away from them, mixed nuts are like crack for birds,” says Sharon Stiteler, founder of Birdchick.com and author of 1001 Secrets Every Birder Should Know. “They love the stuff, even more than black-oil sunflower seeds.”

Even in cold weather, you should clean feeders regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause disease. “Dirty bird feeders, especially during a warm spell when the snow melts, are breeding grounds for disease and could wipe out a whole flock of pine siskins,” Stiteler says. “It’s very important to keep a feeding station clean and to remove old seed that has been getting wet on the ground.” If possible, rotate feeders so dirty ones can be brought inside for cleaning without reducing available food. Make cleaning and refilling feeders more convenient by keeping a path to them clear, even after heavy snowstorms, or relocate your feeding station to a sheltered deck or patio that won’t be used in winter.

Don’t forget bird food that nature provides. “Feeders should be seen as supplements to the natural foods you provide by cultivating native plants,” says NWF Naturalist David Mizejewski. Even during winter, seed-eating birds such as goldfinches and juncos will flock to the dried flower heads of aster, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, sunflowers and other plants. These wildflowers’ stalks also may house insects for birds that need a little protein.

Make sure to leave berries and other fruit on your native trees and bushes. Birds ranging from robins, cardinals, juncos, waxwings and mockingbirds to wild turkey and grouse will feast on these fruits throughout the cold months. And if you’ve been smart enough to leave your fallen leaves on the ground since autumn, the decaying leaf litterwill provide a feast of insects, seeds, nuts and other treats for your backyard birds.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/tips-for-winter-bird-feeding/feed/19How to Recycle Halloween Pumpkins for Wildlifehttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/10/how-to-recycle-halloween-pumpkins-for-wildlife/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/10/how-to-recycle-halloween-pumpkins-for-wildlife/#commentsThu, 30 Oct 2014 21:49:40 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=101033Read more >]]>One of my favorite parts of Halloween, is carving pumpkins. My evening walks through the neighborhood are even better with the bright orange pumpkins, highlighting the colors of autumn, and showing off creative designs.

After the trick-or-treaters clear away, and Halloween is officially over, don’t trash your pumpkins! There are several ways to recycle them with wildlife and your garden in mind. How do you reuse pumpkins in your yard?

1. Compost Your Pumpkins

If you’ve carved a jack-o-lantern, it may already be decomposing. Pumpkins are 90% water, which means they easily and quickly break down. This makes them a great addition to your compost pile. Prevent unwanted pumpkin plants by removing the seeds first (set seeds aside for #3 and #5). If you don’t have a compost bin or pile, check your local government, nearby farms, or community gardens to see if they collect old pumpkins.

Pumpkins can make a great addition to compost bins or piles. Photo by Karl Steel.

3. Leave Seeds for Wildlife

Large birds and small mammals will eat pumpkin seeds if you offer them in your yard. Collect seeds from your pumpkins, before composting them, and let the seeds dry. Please don’t add salt or seasoning. Place seeds on a flat surface, tray, shallow bowl, or mix in with existing bird seed in your garden.

Garden for Wildlife All Year

UPDATE: Please keep in mind this applies to non-painted pumpkins, as the toxins in paint can be harmful to wildlife. Also, keep pumpkins away from the house, ideally near trees. Add other helpful suggestions in the comments below!

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2014/10/how-to-recycle-halloween-pumpkins-for-wildlife/feed/20Squirrel vs. Bird Feeder: Think Like a Kidhttp://blog.nwf.org/2014/01/squirrel-vs-bird-feeder-think-like-a-kid/
http://blog.nwf.org/2014/01/squirrel-vs-bird-feeder-think-like-a-kid/#commentsTue, 21 Jan 2014 18:39:34 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/?p=90722Read more >]]>Squirrels – some people love ‘em, some people want to keep them out of their bird feeders.

My name is Carla Brown and I work on the online team at National Wildlife Federation. My husband Bob made this app using art by Ranger Rick magazine artist Jack Desrocher.

We got the idea to make this app because I noticed that one of the most popular search terms on www.nwf.org related to keeping squirrels out of bird feeders.

Our kids, Nora and Russell, were playing a variety of games online to learn about math, and their favorites were those where they had to solve logic puzzles to get their “hero” to safety. So in this app, our squirrel is our hero (sorry to those who do not like squirrels), and we are trying to get him to lunch.

Kids Get It, Most Adults Do Not

While building the app, we tested it with people of all ages. We learned something fascinating – younger kids were usually better at it than adults. That’s because when you first play Squirrel vs. Bird Feeder, you are likely to fail. Younger kids are used to failing because they are always learning. They don’t stigmatize “failing” – it’s just learning. So when their squirrel goes hungry, they don’t start blaming the game or their device. They just try again.

My kids playing on an iPad

When I tested the game with my colleagues, almost every one of them would try level one, and then give up. They would say things like, “I’m not very good at online games.” It highlighted for me that we are limited by the stories we tell ourselves.

A few of our adult friends were great at the game, which made me wonder – what is it about that friend that makes them keep trying?

Sometimes, I think it is because they just have more perseverance, a great quality. But sometimes, I think it is because they are the friends who worry less about being efficient all of the time. Moms in particular were quick to quit. I believe that is because as moms, we know we have about one million things to do, and getting this squirrel to lunch is not on that list. I’m one of those people who would naturally say – hey, is this the best use of my time?

But for those of you who want to think more like a kid, or build your tolerance for failing/learning, or just think squirrels are nifty – give it a try! And then find a kid, and watch what they do. It can teach you a lot about the dynamic of kids and adults. At the least, it is fun to find things that kids excel at more than adults. It makes my children deliriously happy when I am less proficient than they are. And if you get stuck – just ask a kid for help.

By the way, for those stuck in snow, level 8 is in snow and *spoiler alert* – the snowman’s head can fall off.

Squirrel vs. Bird Feeder – Level 8 – Winter

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2014/01/squirrel-vs-bird-feeder-think-like-a-kid/feed/0The Five Best Ways to Celebrate Love A Tree Day: May 16thhttp://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/the-five-best-ways-to-celebrate-love-a-tree-day-may-16th/
http://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/the-five-best-ways-to-celebrate-love-a-tree-day-may-16th/#commentsThu, 12 May 2011 21:34:15 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/?p=22108Read more >]]>

Photo by Susan Koomar

Yes there really is a Love a Tree Day, and National Wildlife Federation can help you celebrate!

Love A Tree Day comes on May 16th, right in the middle of Garden for Wildlife Month, and wildlife gardeners everywhere know how important trees are to a good wildlife garden. So here are five awesome ways you can show the love!

Release your inner “tree hugger” - Just get out there and wrap your arms around your favorite old arboreal pal. You might want to pick a time when your neighbors are sure to see you so that, when they ask if you have finally cracked up, you can tell them all about Love A Tree Day and suggest they participate. Even if they quickly look at their watch, announce they have to go and avoid eye contact for the next two weeks, you will have briefed them on Love A Tree Day. You can just bet that next year they will have some dogwood in firm embrace. And, to remind them of next year, you can send them an NWF plant-a-tree ornament that comes along with our planting a real tree on their behalf.

Give your tree a long, cool drink - In the garden setting, trees are the tall silent type. They are not usually crying for attention the way those bratty flowers and shrubs do. Think of them as nature’s middle child. But, trees have needs too, and one of the main ones is for more water. Watering a tree means soaking the root system. It takes time and patience but the result is a regular root soaking will make a world of difference to a tree’s long-term health. NWF has a tree care guide and so does Casey Treesfor urban areas.

Provide some wildlife-friendly ornamentation - Even if trees are fairly stoic they can be a tad vain. Every tree enjoys a little nature-appropriate ornamentation. And, there is no better compliment than a good bird feeder or bird house. It just so happens that NWF has some of the best feeders and houses available. Think of it as higher elevation jewelry shopping.

Give it a friend (or several) – NWF has a terrific program for the tree-planter in you called Trees for the 21st Century. It involves ordering a group of trees in either the Spring of Fall that you can plant or, if you would prefer to pick one from your local nursery, it provides you with tree planting guidance and some fun tree-based lesson plans for you and the kids.

Add your tree to a wildlife sanctuary – This may seem far-fetched, but NWF has a very popular program designed to make you home garden into a Certified Wildlife Habitat®. You need water features such as a birdbath, a bird feeder, some flowers and shrubs and – one or more trees. What tree wouldn’t be proud to be able to whisper in the wind that it was part of a refuge for wildlife, pollinators and lots of other leafy creatures. And, when you certify — NWF will plant a tree on your behalf! More love!

So Happy Love A Tree Day folks, even if your friends and neighbors do look at you funny for awhile. You can follow these steps and show some real love to your favorite tree during Garden for Wildlife Month.

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/the-five-best-ways-to-celebrate-love-a-tree-day-may-16th/feed/7A Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Bird Feedinghttp://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/a-beginner%e2%80%99s-guide-to-backyard-bird-feeding/
http://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/a-beginner%e2%80%99s-guide-to-backyard-bird-feeding/#commentsTue, 03 May 2011 22:38:53 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/?p=21170Read more >]]>During May, we’re celebrating Garden for Wildlife Month by encouraging people to make wildlife habitat in their backyard, balcony, farm, community, or other garden spot. For every spot that becomes a Certified Wildlife Habitat®, we’ll plant a tree to help another habitat. Enjoy these tips to help you on your way to certify!

Below is a quick guide to feeding birds year round. For more resources, check out National Wildlife Federation’s Bird Feeding 101 Tips Page.

When to Feed?

In the late spring and throughout the summer, birds have an easier time finding natural food from plants and insects. Still, they will make use of bird feeders year-round and especially benefit from them in the winter.

Types of Feeders

People who are new to backyard or balcony bird feeding sometimes wonder about what kind of bird feeder to get, where to put it and what seeds to provide. Most of them hold seeds, but others are designed to hold packets of suet or fat and still others provide sugar water or “nectar” — a favorite of hummingbirds.

House or Hopper feeders are a common feeder type comprised of a platform in with walls and a small roof surrounding the seed.

Tube feeders are another commonly used type of feeder. They hold seeds in a central (refillable) tube and either have holes with perches along their length or deposit the seeds onto a lower tray. Tube feeders are usually hung hanging to keep them (mostly) out of reach of squirrels. A smaller version of a tube feeder is a favorite of finches because it holds thistle or nyjer seed.

Tray or platform feeders are flat feeders usually elevated on a pole that provide a platform on which the birds can gather and pick through the seed. There are ground versions too.

Window feeders are often smaller feeders that can be secured to the outside of a window by suction cups and provide a close-up look at the birds while they feed.

Suet feeders are most often cage-like containers that hold suet “cakes” made up of fat.

Hummingbird or nectar feeders hold sweet liquid for these tiny birds that mostly feed of the nectar of flowers.

What size bird feeder?

It’s important to put out feeders with good size capacity and/or use multiple feeders to provide ample food, especially during snow and ice storms. There are many stores in your area that sell excellent bird feeders including bird-specific stores and most lawn and garden centers. You can also visit the National Wildlife Federation’s online backyard storeto purchase feeders while also supporting the Federation’s conservation work.

Squirrel-Proof Feeders

In some areas squirrels will make it their main goal to empty your feeder before the birds get a chance. The good news is there are a number of very effective squirrel proof feeders including a tube feeder surrounded by a cage with spaces the birds can get through but the squirrels can’t. Check out these 10 Tips for Outwitting Squirrels.

Bird Food Basics

Different birds eat different things, so it helps to offer a variety of food types. For starters:

Black-Oil Sunfloweris the most popular bird seed, and attracts a variety of birds to your feeder. Blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and sparrows love it. New to backyard birding? Black-oil sunflower seeds are a great place to start!

Thistle or Nyjer is a small, high quality, seed that goldfinches love. These birds have a beautiful gold color and they are a pleasure to watch along with their cousins, the red-hued house finches and bright-colored buntings. Thistle seed requires a special bird (finch) feeder with smaller holes,

Seed mixes are popular for beginners because they attract many different types of birds. They can be messy though because birds pick over unwanted seeds and toss them away. “No-mess” seed mixes, that have been de-hulled, will cut down on the mess below your feeder. They are more likely be picked up by ground feeding birds, such as doves, juncos, sparrows or even squirrels.

Suet is basically a cake of animal fat and is a healthy source of protein for birds, especially in the winter months. When food is scarce, suet may be a lifeline for many birds in your yard. Suet is often mixed with some seeds and served through suet cages.

Nectar is colored sugar water and requires what is called a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds are the most notable nectar-loving birds. They are a pleasure to watch in your backyard. The increasingly rare oriole is a fruit-eating bird that also enjoys nectar.

Smorgasbird: there are many other types of food that you can feed birds. Many birds enjoy peanuts, peanut butter, cracked corn, millet, apple pieces and oranges. Even bread crumbs can be attractive.

Cleaning Bird Feeders

Your feeders can get a little grimy. Because natural food sources are scarcer in the winter, more birds may be attracted to backyard feeders and those feeders will need to be cleaned with some hot water and dried a few times during the season.

A few other pointers…

If you put out more than one feeder in different parts of the yard, more birds will come. Some species are comfortable in crowds but others like their space.

Also, try to position your feeder a few feet from a bush or tree. This gives the birds a staging area from which they can wait and then swoop in, pick a few seeds and retreat to safety. Hawks are very crafty in their ability to catch birds hanging around feeders too long.

Once you start feeding birds in the winter, it is best to stick with it. Birds need the most calories in colder months and they will come to depend on your kindness.

Finally, it can save money to stock up on seed, but keep it in a cool dry place.

An adult gray jay, also known as the "whiskey jack" or "camp robber." Photo by Minette Layne.

The gray jay is a widespread inhabitant of boreal and sub-alpine forests across the northern United States and Canada. This bold and frequently tame songbird is as much an icon of northern forests as is the moose or the wolf.

Campers visiting popular recreational areas such as the Adirondacks, Green Mountains or White Mountains are no doubt familiar with the gray jay, which is well known for audacious attempts to nab food from humans. A permanent resident of many campgrounds, the big gray bird is so daring that it often takes food from a human hand—not to mention stealing it off picnic tables or even from inside of tents. One of the species’ nicknames, in fact, is “camp robber.” Another is “whiskey jack,” said to come from the Algonquin Indian name for a mischievous forest spirit.

Procuring food—a lot of food—and storing it for lean times is key to the species’ success. Unlike most birds, which migrate south or simply hunker down for the winter, the gray jay begins its breeding season as early as February. This month, on well-hidden nests surrounded by snow, some females already are sitting on clutches: three or four pale, green, speckled eggs.

These early breeders maintain themselves with stored food collected during summer and fall —up to 50 pounds per robin-sized bird. Their fare of choice? Insects, berries, mushrooms and bits of flesh picked from animal carcasses.

Though still common throughout much of their range, a long-term study has found that gray jays are declining in Canada’s Algonquin Provincial Park. Over the past 25 years, the birds’ population has dropped by half. Some park habitat that once supported breeding jays is now abandoned.

Scientists suspect global warming is the cause. Annual air temperature in the park has been increasing by about 0.7 degrees F. per decade. That may be just enough to cause the birds’ perishable food to rot. Researchers have found that gray jays lay fewer eggs in winters following particularly warm falls. And jays that have access to artificial food sources—bird feeders—seem to be doing fine.

Backyard Tips: Though they inhabit only a small part of the country, gray jays are common and familiar at backyard feeders many places within their range. They will eat practically anything, whether you want them to or not. Take this summer 2010 posting from the blog of Minnesota’s Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center in Grand Marais:

“Compared with delicate chickadees and songbirds, this fairly large bird is the equivalent of the ‘rude dinner guest’ amongst the birds you’ll commonly find at your feeder in northern Minnesota. If the gray jay has one virtue, it’s that they’re not particularly picky. They’ll eat just about anything: from bird seed to bread crumbs to French fries. More than anything, they’d like to have a bit of whatever you happen to be eating.”

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2011/02/bird-of-the-week-gray-jay/feed/2For Beginners: Four Can’t-Miss Ways to Attract Birds to Your Yard or Deckhttp://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/for-beginners-four-cant-miss-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard-or-deck/
http://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/for-beginners-four-cant-miss-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard-or-deck/#commentsSun, 23 Jan 2011 00:59:11 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/?p=11982Read more >]]>Sometimes those who would like to attract birds to their home will ask if there are any special “tricks” to success other than putting out a bird feeder or bird bath.

The quick answer is yes!

Here are four proven ways to attract a maximum number bird species to your yard. Not only will you get to see them, but you also will be helping them on their long migration journeys or to get through a cold winter. A well-stocked yard or deck, following the advice below, can help hundreds of birds to be healthier during the year and can help dozens survive a tough winter. How cool is that?

1. Bubbles and Drips

Birds certainly need water, but they may not always know you have made it available. This is especially true of spring and fall migrants who are just passing through. The best way to “advertise” is to let them hear the water by using a fountain pump or a small drip hose.

Drippers, small fountains, bubblers and misters are very popular with our feathered friends. They are reasonably inexpensive and are available online and at most bird supply stores. I like to think about migrant species such as warblers, vireos, and flycatchers stopping off for a refreshing drink (and snack) on their way from Canada to Central America.

2. “Smorgasbird”

Different birds eat different things, so it helps to offer a variety of food types. For starters:

Black-Oil Sunfloweris the most popular bird seed, and attracts a variety of birds to your feeder. Blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and sparrows love it. New to backyard birding? Black-oil sunflower seeds are a great place to start!

Thistle or Nyjer is a small, high quality, seed that goldfinches love. These birds have a beautiful gold color and they are a pleasure to watch along with their cousins, the red-hued house finches and bright-colored buntings. Thistle seed requires a special bird (finch) feeder with smaller holes,

Seed mixes are popular for beginners because they attract many different types of birds. They can be messy though because birds pick over unwanted seeds and toss them away. “No-mess” seed mixes, that have been de-hulled, will cut down on the mess below your feeder. They are more likely be picked up by ground feeding birds, such as doves, juncos, sparrows or even squirrels.

Suet is basically a cake of animal fat and is a healthy source of protein for birds, especially in the winter months. When food is scarce, suet may be a lifeline for many birds in your yard. Suet is often mixed with some seeds and served through suet cages.

Nectar is colored sugar water and requires what is called a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds are the most notable nectar-loving birds. They are a pleasure to watch in your backyard. The increasingly rare oriole is a fruit-eating bird that also enjoys nectar.

Smorgasbird: there are many other types of food that you can feed birds. Many birds enjoy peanuts, peanut butter, cracked corn, millet, apple pieces and oranges. Even bread crumbs can be attractive.

3. Litter-Bugs

There are a large number of bird species that stay on the ground to feed and seldom, if ever, land on feeders. They will often gobble up seeds that have fallen from the feeders and others will scratch around in small piles or mats of leaf litter you can place around the yard. This leaf litter is a natural habitat for many insects and gives insect and grub-eating birds such as robins, towhees and thrashers, hours of quality snack time.

4. Havens and Hideaways

If you watch how birds approach most feeders, they will first sit in a nearby bush as a “staging area” and then fly out for a quick snack on the feeder. They will then return immediately to the relative protection of shrubbery or trees. So placing feeders relatively close to some “safety cover” will attract more birds. Keep an eye out, however, for neighborhood cats. They like to lie in wait in vegetation that may be too close to the feeder. Allowing a few feet between a cat hiding place and a bird feeder will give the birds time to react and get away.

Birds also attract other birds. These curious creatures listen for activity in the area and like to see what is going on. For them, your yard will be like the local restaurant you can’t wait to tell your friends about.

The main thing about attracting birds to your yard or deck is to let it happen over time and enjoy it. As birds begin to find your place you will be amazed at how many you see. Remember to keep up with the food and water supplies, especially in the winter when you can help dozens of birds survive the cold. Remember too, that a good bird identification guide will add to the fun. We are fond of the National Wildlife Federation’s Guide to North American Birds because of its good reviews and reasonable price.

Certify Your Garden as a Wildlife Habitat

]]>http://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/for-beginners-four-cant-miss-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard-or-deck/feed/5Five Tips for Fun and Easy Backyard and Balcony Birdinghttp://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/five-tips-for-fun-and-easy-backyard-and-balcony-birding/
http://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/five-tips-for-fun-and-easy-backyard-and-balcony-birding/#commentsSun, 16 Jan 2011 23:59:48 +0000http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/?p=11757Read more >]]>People will sometimes put out a bird feeder and a bird bath and almost immediately see a variety of feathered friends arrive. In time, many of these birds will seem familiar because of their color, size or distinctive shapes. You may even start to remember a few individuals that stand out, such as sassy house wren or a noisy grackle. There are, for instance, the yellow birds with black markings, or the black birds with the red blazes on their wings, and most people will recognize a blue jay or northern cardinal (right). And there are those crazy-looking hummingbirds that, at first glance, may look like an oversized bee.

Many of those who regularly watch their feeders are satisfied to just to see the birds flitting back and forth between bush and feeder. Others, however, gradually start trying to figure out which bird is which. These folks will start looking at the difference between a red cardinal and the red-tinged house finch and others will wrestle with the distinctions among chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. After a time, these watchers might even start to keep track of their observations and maybe keeping a list of what species they see. So here are some suggestions for the backyard birder.

1. Remember you don’t have to be an expert.

Backyard birding is for your pleasure and for no one else. If you are happy seeing the birds on your feeder and don’t feel a need to identify them that is terrific. If you want to start figuring out what species you are seeing, keep it fun and enjoy. There is no pass/fail test for backyard or balcony birders.

2. Get a good bird guide book.

If you would like to start figuring out what species are coming to your feeder or bird bath, it will help to have a birder’s field guide nearby. There are many to choose from by such esteemed organizations as the National Audubon Society and National Geographic. We are particularly fond of the National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America because of its quality, good reviews by users and its very reasonable price. These guides provide photos and drawings of the birds, information on where they live and what behaviors they exhibit and much more. People find that even when looking up a common cardinal, blue jay, or dove, they learn interesting things in addition to what marking to look for.

3. Some basic field-glasses (binoculars) will help.

Some people have bird feeders and bird baths right outside their windows (even on the window) and others are farther away. If your feeder is 15 or more feet from the house, you may enjoy seeing the birds with the use of binoculars or what we usually refer to as “field glasses.” A decent (non-expert) pair of field glasses are available from most sporting good stores or stores that sell sporting and camping supplies such as the big retail chains. These cost $30 to $50 and are more than adequate for the average backyard birder. The more expensive and optically precise models are for when you might decide to start a more serious bird watching hobby such as taking field trips.

4. Practice looking for basic color, size and shape.

There is no magic to this but I like to start with size, using the sparrow vs. robin distinction. There are many sparrow-sized birds (4-5 inches in length) that come to feeders. Larger birds such as blackbirds, cardinals (6-8 inches) and blue jays also appear. This latter group are closer in size to a robin than they are to a sparrow.

Colors are also a help. Yellow could be goldfinches or warblers. Black and white could mean woodpeckers, chickadees or nuthatches. You may see sparrow-sized blue birds or buntings or larger blue birds such as jays. Birds of many colors will visit your feeder and bird bath.

One secret to backyard bird identification is to look at the shape of the beak. A cone-shaped beak means “seed eater” and identifies sparrows, juncos and finches. A thinner beak says “insect eater” and indicates warblers, thrushes, and common species such as mockingbirds and catbirds.

Shape and posture can be telling too. Woodpeckers hold themselves with their heads back and warblers like to stay more parallel to the ground. Sparrows stay upright (usually) and nuthatches are often upside down on the feeder.

In time you will see other things such as how juncos appear in the winter (some call them snowbirds) and goldfinches become bright yellow in the spring.

5. Get ready for some very pleasant surprises.

Backyard and balcony birders are sometimes shocked (in a good way) when they start adding up how many species come to their feeders and bird baths. The average suburban home with an established feeder will get from 30 to 50 different bird species during the year depending on location and other features. People are often surprised to learn that Central Park in New York City has 275 different bird species that visit each year. So regardless of whether you have a home that backs up onto woods, wetlands or farms or a simple feeder on an apartment balcony, there will be birds for you to get to know.

If you find yourself being a regular watcher and counter of birds at your feeder you might enjoy signing up for Project FeederWatch, which has thousands of backyard birders recording their observations to help the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

And, you are always invited to visit the National Wildlife Federation’s website where you can learn more about backyard and balcony birds and even certify your home as an NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat®.

If your community gets consistently cold (below freezing) in the winter or has extended periods of snow and ice on the ground, you may be surprised to learn what a huge difference you can make by feeding wild birds right outside your own door or window. A large-scale winter storm, with deep snow or ice cover, cuts off many birds from their natural food supplies and can actually cause them to starve by the thousands and even millions. Backyard bird feeding can make a real contribution to their survival and even thriving during the winter months. Here are ten pointers for a successful winter bird feeding season:

Put out feeders with good size capacity: And/or use multiple feeders to provide ample food especially during snow and ice storms. There are many stores in your area that sell excellent bird feeders including bird-specific stores and most lawn and garden centers. You can also visit the National Wildlife Federation’s online backyard store to purchase feeders while also supporting the Federation’s conservation work:

Provide nutritious winter seed foods: For most birds theses often include seed mixes of: black oil sunflower seed, hulled peanuts, niger seed and white millet seed. Mixed seed bags can be purchased at local bird and lawn and garden stores or you can go on line and visit the Scott’s Songbird Selections website for a store locator or to learn more about wild bird feeding:

Offer fatty food too: Birds need to burn more calories in the winter just to stay warm. Suet is considered a high energy food because it consists of fat that has 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates or protein. Peanut Butter is also popular with our flying friends but is more expensive than suet. Suet feeders are a favorite of woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds

Be consistent and keep feeding through the winter: Birds grow accustomed to your feeders especially in severe weather when the snacks you offer may mean their very survival. If you leave home for an extended period, try to have a neighbor or friend keep the feeders going.

Remember water: Birds can become dehydrated in winter even if surrounded by ice and snow. Putting out a pan of water near the feeder on warmer days is a terrific idea.

Stamp down the snow below: Ground-feeding birds such as dark-eyed juncos, doves and many sparrows will be able to gather up the seed that drop from the feeders if they don’t have deep snow to try to manage.

Hang feeders in cat-safe locations: Place bird feeders in locations that do not also offer hiding places for sneak-attacks by cats and other predators. Think of placing the feeders ten to twelve feet from shrubs or brush piles. This gives the birds some time to react.

Remember feeder cleanliness: Your feeders can get a little grimy. Because natural food sources are scarcer in the winter, more birds may be attracted to backyard feeders and those feeders will need to be cleaned with some hot water and dried a few times during the season.

Save some money and stock up on seed: Bird feeding veterans say it is best to stock up on birdseed in the Fall when many lawn and garden centers are discounting it to make way for winter merchandise. Stored properly, (in cool dry places) seed can easily last for months, particularly seed mixes and sunflower seeds.

The first days or winter are a great time to start feeding birds. Once you have bird feeders, some water sources, some shrubs and trees for habitat cover you are well on your way to qualifying for certification as a backyard habitat with 135,000 other U.S. residents. Learn more about NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program and see if you might like to join up. The winter birds surely need you.